Please read carefully and be sure that you fully understand the TERMS & CONDITIONS as stated below. Receipt of your deposit or payment represents your acknowledgement and acceptance of these terms and conditions. Your travel agent or Oceanic Ventures, Inc. are happy to clarify any questions you may have.
GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS
RESERVATION
Travel Application
An Oceanic Ventures, Inc. Travel Application is due at the time the reservation is made.
Deposit
In addition to the Travel Application, a deposit of $500 – $1,000 per person is required by Oceanic Ventures, Inc. at the time of booking a reservation, depending on the trip. Reservation will be subject to cancellation if the deposit is not received by Oceanic Ventures, Inc. within 7 days after booking of the reservation.
Final Payment
Final payment of the total tour fare is due 100 days prior to your departure date. If your payment is not received by the due date, the reservation will be subject to cancellation and deposit will be forfeited.
Late Bookings
For new reservations made within 60 days prior to departure, a $50.00 per person administrative handling fee will be assessed for all tours. Reservations will be taken only with full payment. Late bookings are subject to availability and may incur additional charges assessed by suppliers.
CANCELLATION
Please remember, at the time you deposit, we took your space off the market and considered the spot(s) sold and filled. As such, all travel deposits are non-refundable if the trip is not full. In the event the trip is fully booked, you may receive a refund if a suitable replacement is found. In the event a replacement is found, the following fees will be assessed per person accordingly when you cancel your reservation:
- 90 days or more before departure: $300.00* per person Plus any additional charges assessed by land suppliers, hotels, rail and airlines, in addition to any revision fees.
- 90 to 60 days before departure: $400.00* per person Plus any additional charges assessed by land suppliers, hotels, rail and airlines, in addition to any revision fees.
- 59 to 30 days before departure: $500.00* per person Plus any additional charges assessed by land suppliers, hotels, rail and airlines, in addition to any revision fees.
- 29 to 16 days before departure: $600.00* per person Plus any additional charges assessed by land suppliers, hotels, rail and airlines, in addition to any revision fees.
- 15 days to 8 days before departure: $1,000.00* per person Plus any additional charges assessed by land suppliers, hotels, rail and airlines, in addition to any revision fees.
- 7 days or less prior to departure and no shows on day of departure: 100% forfeiture of the tour price per person Plus any additional charges assessed by land suppliers, hotels, rail and airlines, in addition to any revision fees.
*Plus any additional charges assessed by land suppliers, hotels, rail and airlines, in addition to any revision fees.
*After departure, any unused portions of any tour itinerary, including hotel accommodations, sightseeing tours, extra hotel nights, airfare or other items included in the tour are non-refundable. The purchase of travel insurance is highly recommended.
In-climate weather is not accepted as proof to waive cancellation penalties. Travel insurance is highly suggested to protect travelers against weather related cancellation and encountering the unexpected.
Medical reasons are not accepted as proof to waive cancellation penalties. Travel insurance is highly suggested to protect travelers against involuntary medical cancellation and encountering the unexpected.
Written notice of cancellation must be received by Oceanic Ventures, Inc. either by mail, fax, or email. Oral cancellation by phone will not be accepted.
In addition to the above stated cancellation charges, if tickets for airlines, cruises or trains have already been issued or final confirmation has been received at the time of cancellation (regardless of number of days prior to departure), the traveler will be assessed an additional airline, cruise line, or train cancellation penalty and service charge pursuant to the supplier’s rules and regulations.
In the event of cancellation by your travel companion or roommate, you are responsible for the additional resultant single supplement.
Oceanic Ventures, Inc. reserves the right to issue airline tickets immediately upon receipt of your tour deposit.
TRAVEL INSURANCE PLAN
We strongly recommend that you insure your vacation against cancellation or unexpected expenses incurred as a result of an accident, illness, etc. We offer an optional protection plan at your own expense.
TOUR FARE INCLUDES: (FARE IS IN US DOLLARS, PER PERSON, BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)
Land/Cruise Only Package
Passengers that elect to purchase land/cruise only packages are responsible for ALL air segments. Please review the itinerary carefully, paying special attention to the dates of arrival and departure, and plan your own air itinerary accordingly. Special airfares from your hometown are available with the purchase of these tour packages. Please check our website for up-to-date offers or contact a travel specialist. Offered airfare prices are good only with the concurrent purchase of these tour packages. A 75-day advance purchase is required at the offered prices.
Please see your chosen itinerary for arrival and departure cities. Land Only passengers are responsible for arrival transfer (to hotel) and departure transfer (from hotel).
- Generally, hotel check-in time is 2:00pm on the arrival day of the tour
- Generally, hotel check-out time is 11:00am on the last day of the tour.
Land with Air Package
Passengers that elect to purchase air package along with the land/cruise tour package, a round-trip international economy class air ticket from the gateway city will be included with the tour. The gateway cities may be Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York. Passengers that elect to purchase their own US domestic add-on air to the gateway city do so at their own risk; Oceanic Ventures, Inc. reserves the right to change international airline and will promptly notify passenger of any such change. Air carrier and routing is at the discretion of Oceanic Ventures, Inc.. Fuel surcharges and government-imposed taxes and fees are included in the advertised international airfare. After you have made full payment of the airfare, Oceanic Ventures, Inc. will not increase that fare unless the increase is due to an increase in government-imposed taxes and only if Oceanic Ventures, Inc. has notified you of the potential for such an increase and obtained your written consent before you made full payment. Before you make full payment, Oceanic Ventures, Inc. will not increase the airfare, whether because of a carrier-imposed surcharge or because of a government-imposed increase in taxes or fees, unless Oceanic Ventures, Inc. has notified you before any payment is received of the potential for such an increase and obtained your written consent.
Oceanic Ventures, Inc. releases our air allotments at 90 days prior to departure. Therefore if final payment is not received 90 days prior to departure, or the reservation is made inside of 90 days prior to departure, Oceanic Ventures, Inc. will be unable to guarantee the air at the advertised price.
Hotel Accommodations
Hotel accommodations are based on two adults sharing one room with two twin beds, double occupancy. Triple room accommodations are allowed on some of our tour programs and subject to availability upon request. Solo traveler or customer who occupies his/her own room is required to pay a single room rate. Single room is subject to availability upon request
When the hotel listed in the tour is not available, a similar category hotel will be substituted without prior notice.
Meals
Meals will be provided in hotels, local restaurants or onboard the cruise or flights as specified in the itinerary.
Sightseeing
While the sightseeing program is specified in the itinerary, its final arrangement will be determined by the local tour escort based on local circumstances which are beyond the control of Oceanic Ventures, Inc. such as weather, acts of God, dangers, incidents at sea, fire, break down in machinery or equipment, acts of government or authorities and wars under local condition. However, we will adhere to the original itinerary as accurately as possible.
Admissions / Entrance Fees
All necessary main entrance fees for the programs or places mentioned in the itinerary will be included.
TOUR FARE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Round-trip airfare from your hometown (for Land Only Packages) or round-trip airfare from your hometown to the gateway city (for Land with Air Packages); meals not mentioned in itinerary; insurance premiums; charges arising from deviation; any expenses due to delay or changes of schedule, overbooking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness, weather, strike, acts of God, acts of terrorism, force majeure, acts of government’s civil disturbances, war, quarantine, customs regulations, epidemics, criminal activity or for any other cause beyond Oceanic Ventures, Inc.’s control; any personal charges such as passport and visa fees, excess baggage charges, phone bills, postage, laundry, drinks, tips, etc.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Unused Tour Features
Any unused tour features either on air or ground transportation or for land arrangements are not refundable or exchangeable.
Tour Price Guarantee
All tour prices in our brochure and website are in US dollars and are based on rates and costs in effect at the time of printing the brochure or posting on the website. Your tour price is guaranteed once Oceanic Ventures, Inc. has received your full payment, and has not previously obtained your written consent to the potential for an increase due to a government imposed tax or fee prior to full payment.
Departure Guarantee:
All tours are guaranteed departures with a minimum number of adult passengers unless otherwise specified.
Health:
To ensure the smooth operation of the tour, Oceanic Ventures, Inc. recommends that travelers be in good health. Please consult your physician regarding your wellness and ability to travel long distances. Any physical or mental disability which requires special treatment or attention must be reported to Oceanic Ventures, Inc. at the time of reservation. Oceanic Ventures, Inc. will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of disabled participants, but is not responsible for any denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants, or other suppliers.
Tour buses are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. Wheelchairs and walkers cannot be carried on tour buses, due to space limitations. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, getting on/off tour buses and other transportation vehicles, or other personal needs. A traveler who needs assistance must be accompanied by a qualified travel companion.
Oceanic Ventures, Inc. reserves the right to exclude passengers who are physically or mentally unfit to undertake long trips, in the interest of the whole tour group.
Baggage:
- Baggage is at the owner’s risk throughout and baggage insurance is recommended. Oceanic Ventures, Inc. is not responsible for loss, theft, damage or delay to passenger’s luggage
- Baggage allowance varies by airline and is subject to change at any time. Additional baggage charges may apply. For up to date baggage allowance restrictions, always check with the appropriate airline for the latest regulations prior to departure.
- Baggage allowance in China and Asia domestic flights may be/is restricted to one piece only and not to exceed 44 lbs or 20 kg.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges for checked baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies.
- Excess baggage charge and insurance are at the owner’s responsibility.
- United Airlines Baggage Policies
- Fiji Airways Baggage Policies
Deviation Charge:
Deviation is subject to availability upon request. In addition to the airlines, hotels, or transfer surcharges, there will be a US$50 per person service charge for any deviation from the tour.
Travel Documents /e-Tickets:
In general, all travel documents will be sent to you 14 days prior to departure via email or US mail if paper documents are needed. Overnight delivery can be arranged at additional cost. If we obtained the entry visa for you, the passport will be sent with the travel documents.
Change Fee:
A $50.00 per person fee for each revision, including addition or deletion of services, will be assessed for any changes in air and/or land arrangements (plus supplier’s penalties). Once documents/tickets are issued, changes are not permitted.
Documentation Required for Travel: Passports, Visas and Your Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of each passenger to obtain a passport with at least six (6) months validity beyond completion of travel (i.e. AFTER the date of return), and must have enough empty pages for entry and exit stamps in your passport to ensure your entry and exit as well as visas for the countries to be visited. The client accepts full responsibility for obtaining all travel documentation, including but not limited to passport, entry visa and permits prior to commencement of travel, and is solely responsible for any consequences resulting from missing or defective documentation. Any information or advice given by Oceanic Ventures, Inc. regarding visas, vaccinations, climate, what to pack, baggage, etc., is purely advisory and provided as a courtesy. Oceanic Ventures, Inc. is not responsible for any errors or omissions as to the information provided by third parties. Visas may be required to travel to your chosen destination and U.S. citizens should consult with the appropriate Consulates and Embassies. It is the responsibility of the individual traveler to secure the proper documentation prior to commencement of travel.
Examples of VISA requirements for US Passport holders
The following are examples of Visa requirements for some destinations we book. As the entry requirements are subject to change, please consult with local consulates/ embassies on visa requirements. Please remember, Passports must be valid for six months beyond the dates of travel.
- Cozumel, Belize – No entry visa is required for US passport holders going to Cozumel or Belize
- Fiji – No entry visa is required for US passport holders going to Fiji
- Indonesia – Entry visa is required for US passport holders going to Indonesia. The Visa cost is approximately $35.00 for 30-day visa which can be purchased in the airport upon arrival in Indonesia or can be obtained prior to departure. During certain periods, the entry Visa requirements may be waived if the traveler enters Indonesia through designated ports of entry (e.g. Dempasar Bali or Jarkarta).
- Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia – No entry visa required for US passport holders going to: Thailand (up to 30 days), Singapore (up to 90 days), and Malaysia (up to 90 days)
- Russia – EntryVisa is required for all non-Russian passport holders. The cost of the Visa is approximately $100.00 and must be obtained prior to departure. Please contact your travel professional for more information.
- China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam – Entry visa is required for US passport holders going to China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar
- China – Approximately, $195 for single entry China visa with validity of 6 months from the issuance date and good for a stay of up to 30 days. Make check payable to “Oceanic Ventures, Inc. and mail original passport along with one passport size 2 x 2 inch color photo and completed China visa application form (must be typed) to Oceanic Ventures, Inc. at least 45 days prior to departure.
- Vietnam – $135 for single entry Vietnamese visa with validity of 90 days from the issuance date and good for a stay of up to 30 days. Make check payable to “Oceanic Ventures, Inc. and mail passport copy along with one passport size 2 x 2 inch color photo and completed Vietnam Visa Application form (must be typed) at least 45 days prior to departure.
- Myanmar – For visa information and application forms, please visit the website of Myanmar Embassy in Washington D.C.: https://www.mewashingtondc.com/visa_en.php The tourist visa is valid for 3 months from the issuance date and good for a stay of 28 days, not extendable. Visa application requires one completed application form with 2 passport size 2 x 2 inch color photos, one completed “Work History” form, original passport, copy of air ticket and itinerary, prepaid self-addressed return envelope, payment of US$20 per person in money order.
- Cambodia – You may obtain a 30-day e-visa online athttps://www.mfaic.gov.kh/evisa. To apply online, a valid US passport, one recent passport size 2 x 2 inch color photo in digital format (JPEG or PNG format), and a valid credit card (Visa/MasterCard) will be required. Or you may pay $30 cash to Cambodia Customs upon arrival at the Cambodia International Airport in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap or major border crossings. Visa application form will be available upon arrival.
If we are providing entry visa procurement services for you, we will keep your passport (with the entry visa) to be sent along with your travel documents. If you require your passport sooner, please enclose additional $45 check so that we can send it back to you immediately upon its return from the embassy.
If you are applying for your own visa, a copy of your passport and entry visa should be sent to Oceanic Ventures, Inc.. All documents and tickets will be issued under your passport name.
The visa fee is non-refundable for any reason and is subject to change at any time.
Oceanic Ventures, Inc. is not responsible when you are denied entrance for any reason at any foreign country, even if you have a valid passport and visa.
Visa requirements may change at any time. You should check with the Embassy or Consulate of the country which you will be traveling to.
Rebooking:
A change in departure date or from one tour to another after your original reservation has been processed is considered a cancelled trip, and cancellation fees will apply.
Charge for Children:
There may be some discounts for children under the age of 11, depending on the destination. You need to check with your travel agent or Oceanic Ventures to see if there are any applicable discounts for your destination. You must request these discounts at the time of booking.
Shopping:
Oceanic Ventures, Inc. tour managers, local guides and representatives will be happy to assist you with any shopping needs while on tour. However, we do not take any responsibility for any items purchased at shops on the tour. You are strongly advised to observe US Customs restrictions when bringing home any goods from tour. (see www.cbp.gov)
Client Privacy:
Oceanic Ventures, Inc. will not discuss or disclose any details of our clients’ trip with any third party other than the clients’ authorized agent, the airlines, hotels, and land & cruise operators.
Errors and Omissions:
Although Oceanic Ventures, Inc. makes a concerted attempt to verify the accuracy of statements made herein, Oceanic Ventures, Inc. nor its staff and employees is not responsible for typographical or printing errors, omissions or unintentional misrepresentations made in a brochure or on the website.
Availability of tour packages at listed prices in the brochure is limited, and at the time you purchase your tour, prices may be changed. For the latest tour details and pricing, please check our website www.oceanicventures.com or call us at 713-523-3483
RESPONSIBILITY
Oceanic Ventures, Inc. as tour operator, acts only as an agent for contracted services. All travel arrangements included in this trip are made on participant’s behalf upon the express condition that neither Oceanic Ventures, Inc. nor its agents shall be liable or responsible in the absence of its (or their) negligence for any direct, indirect, consequential harm, or irregularity of any kind which may be accessioned by reason of any act or omission of any person or entity, including without limitation, any act of negligence or breach of contract of any third party such as an airline, train, motor coach, private car, cruise vessel, boat, or any other conveyance, hotel, sightseeing provider, local ground-handler, restaurant, etc., which is to or does supply any goods or services for this trip. Participant understands that Oceanic Ventures, Inc. neither owns nor operates such third party suppliers and accordingly agrees to seek remedies directly and only with those suppliers and not hold Oceanic Ventures, Inc. responsible for their acts, omissions or commissions. Without their limiting the foregoing, Oceanic Ventures, Inc. and its agents are not responsible for any losses or expenses due to delay or changes of schedule, over booking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness, weather, strike, acts of God, acts of terrorism, force majeure, acts of government’s civil disturbances, war, quarantine, customs regulations, epidemics, criminal activity or for any other cause beyond its control. All such losses or expenses have to be borne and paid for by the participant.
Oceanic Ventures, inc. accepts no responsibility for value, reliability, quality or authenticity of any goods purchased while on tour or for any mailing, freight or shipping arrangements.
Oceanic Ventures, Inc. reserves the right to decline to accept, or retain any person as tour participant, should such person’s health, mental condition, physical infirmity or general deportment impede the operation of the tour or the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other tour participant.
Oceanic Ventures, Inc. reserves the right to substitute hotels, and alter the itinerary, withdraw any tour and make any desirable alteration for the convenience of the operation of tours. Oceanic Ventures, Inc. reserves the right to cancel the tour prior to departure for any reason. Liability for such cancellation is limited to full refund of money received by Oceanic Ventures, Inc., and this will constitute full settlement with the tour member.
Baggage is carried at owner’s risk and baggage insurance is recommended. Oceanic Ventures, Inc. is not responsible for loss, theft, damage or delay to passenger’s luggage.
Oceanic Ventures, Inc. is not responsible for typographical or printing errors or omissions in this website.
Oceanic Ventures, Inc. accepts no responsibility for cost, which may occur as a result of a participant failing to secure adequate insurance coverage, which coverage is highly recommended. Generally, your health insurance does not cover expenses outside the USA.
Oceanic Ventures, Inc. is not responsible for participant’s visa or passport requirements, nor will a refund of unused services be made, nor reimbursement of any additional expenditure if a participant is denied entry to a country for this or any other reason.
The general conditions under which you agree to utilize the services of Oceanic Ventures, Inc. may not be amended in any way, except in writing, by an authorized officer of Oceanic Ventures, Inc. By utilizing the services of Oceanic Ventures, Inc. you agree that the exclusive venue for all claims shall be the County of Harris, State of Texas, and such claims shall be determined according to the laws and jurisdiction of the State of Texas.
The issuance of tickets and vouchers shall be deemed to be consent to the above terms and conditions.
CLASS ACTION WAIVER
THIS CONTRACT CONTAINS A BINDING CLASS ACTION WAIVER PROVISION WHICH AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND MAY BE ENFORCED BY THE PARTIES TO THE CONTRACT.
This contract provides for the exclusive resolution of disputes through individual arbitration on tour purchaser’s or tour participant’s own behalf instead of through any class action. Even if the applicable law provides otherwise, tour purchaser or tour participant agrees that any arbitration against Oceanic Ventures, Inc. whatsoever shall be litigated by tour purchaser or tour participant and not as a member of any class or as part of a class action, and tour purchaser or tour participant expressly agrees to waive any law entitling tour purchaser or tour participant to participate in a class action.
The general conditions under which you agree to utilize the services of Oceanic Ventures, Inc. may not be amended in any way, except in writing, by an authorized officer of Oceanic Ventures, Inc. By utilizing the services ofOceanic Ventures, Inc. you agree that the exclusive venue for all claims shall be the County of Harris, State of Texas, and such claims shall be determined according to the laws and jurisdiction of the State of Texas. The issuance of tickets and vouchers shall be deemed to be consent to the above terms and conditions.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON TAXES, FEES, AND FUEL SURCHARGES
The United States Department of Transportation mandates that airline fuel surcharges and all government taxes/fees be included in the advertised price of any tour package that includes airfare. Please keep in mind that Oceanic Ventures, Inc. has included fuel surcharges and all government taxes/fees in our brochure and website based on the print date and post date. After you have made full payment of the airfare, Oceanic Ventures, Inc. will not increase that fare unless the increase is due to an increase in government-imposed taxes or fees and only if Oceanic Ventures, Inc. has notified you of the potential for such an increase and obtained your written consent before you made full payment. Before you make full payment, Oceanic Ventures, Inc. will not increase the airfare, whether because of a carrier-imposed surcharge or because of a government-imposed increase in taxes or fees, unless Oceanic Ventures, Inc. has notified you before any payment is received of the potential for such an increase and obtained your written consent.